Overview
Ballysaggartmore Towers sit quietly in a pocket of mixed‑woodland just a few kilometres south‑west of Lismore, County Waterford. The twin Gothic‑style gate lodges – one of which doubles as a stone bridge – were erected in the 1830s as a grand entrance to a mansion that was never completed. Today the ruins form the focal point of a 2 km loop trail that is popular with families, photographers and anyone who enjoys a touch of romantic history in a natural setting.
The site is free to visit and offers a picnic area, wooden benches and a small car park at the trailhead. The walk is well‑signposted, mostly flat, and takes about 30–45 minutes to complete, making it an ideal half‑day outing when you are exploring Waterford’s historic towns and coastal drives.
History
The towers were commissioned by Anglo‑Irish landlord Arthur Keily‑Ussher (sometimes spelled Kiely‑Ussher) no later than 1834. He owned an 8,000‑acre estate, of which roughly 1,000 acres formed his personal demesne. According to contemporary accounts, the head gardener John Smyth designed the lodges and local smiths forged the main entrance gates for about £150.
Local folklore claims the extravagant gatehouses were built to impress Keily‑Ussher’s jealous wife, who envied the grandeur of nearby Strancally Castle. The couple intended the towers to herald a magnificent mansion that would eclipse the surrounding estates. However, the project ran out of money just as the Great Famine (1845‑1849) began. Keily‑Ussher’s reputation as a harsh landlord – evicting tenants who could not pay rent – added to the estate’s decline, and the family was forced to sell the property around 1862.
The main house, Ballysaggartmore House, survived until the Irish Civil War, when it was burned and later dismantled. The two gate lodges survived, albeit roofless, and have remained a striking landmark in the woodland ever since.
What to See & Do
- The Twin Towers – Walk up the stone‑flagged path to the twin arches. Their pointed windows, decorative battlements and the bridge‑lodge create a fairy‑tale silhouette against the trees.
- The Bridge Lodge – One of the lodges spans a shallow ravine, offering a perfect photo opportunity of the arch framing the forest canopy.
- Woodland Walk – The loop passes a diverse mix of ash, oak, sycamore, horse‑chestnut, spruce and fir, interspersed with holly, hazel and bramble. In spring the poplar avenue bursts with new leaves; in autumn the ground is carpeted with gold and amber.
- Picnic & Rest Areas – Wooden benches and a designated picnic table sit near the towers, allowing a quiet break while listening to the local birdlife.
- Nearby Attractions – After the walk, consider a short drive to Lismore Castle Gardens, the Vee Pass for panoramic mountain views, or the Copper Coast Geopark for a coastal contrast.
Practical Information
Getting there – From Lismore, follow the R666 south‑west for about 3 km. Look for a small, free car park on the right‑hand side of the road near the woodland entrance. The exact location is shown on Google Maps.
Parking – The car park accommodates several cars and is free of charge. It can fill up on busy weekends, so arriving early is advisable.
Trail details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 km (loop) |
| Estimated time | 30–45 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy (mostly flat; final stretch has exposed roots) |
| Surface | Gravel/compact earth |
| Accessibility | Not wheelchair‑accessible; sturdy off‑road buggies can manage most of the route, but the last section may be tricky when wet |
| Facilities | Picnic table, wooden benches, information boards at the trailhead |
| GPS coordinates (trailhead) | 52.14677, -7.9669 |
Seasonal notes – The path is usable year‑round. After heavy rain the ground can become muddy, especially under the tree roots near the final descent. The site is quiet in winter, offering a stark, atmospheric view of the stonework.
Safety – The towers are roofless; loose stones may be present. Stay on the marked path and keep an eye on children near the bridge.
Further information – For official visitor details see the Discover Ireland page: https://www.discoverireland.ie/waterford/ballysaggartmore-towers. The Waterford tourism board also lists the walk under its “Towers Walk” page: https://visitwaterford.com/activities/the-towers-walk-ballysaggartmore.
Accessibility Info
While the trail is not suitable for wheelchair users, the surface is firm enough for sturdy off‑road buggies. The final stretch includes exposed roots that can be slippery when wet, so extra caution is recommended.
Enjoy the blend of Gothic romance and natural serenity that Ballysaggartmore Towers offer – a perfect slice of Waterford’s hidden heritage.